kinecthttp://www.maximumpc.com/taxonomy/term/13519/
enGDC 2015 Day 0: Opaque Details Kinect-Enabled ISS Virtual Reality Demo [Video]http://www.maximumpc.com/gdc_2015_day_0_opaque_details_kinect-enabled_iss_virtual_reality_demo_video
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/opaque.jpg" alt="Opaque" title="Opaque" width="228" height="175" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>What it feels like to be Sandra Bullock in <em>Gravity</em></h3>
<p>If you've seen the movie <em>Gravity</em>, you may have found yourself wishing that you, too, could have a chance to explore a space station, if for nothing else than simply the view from so far up above. Or the thought of doing so might now make you soil your underpants after watching the flick. Not to worry because <strong>Opaque Multimedia's Earthlight demo lets you virtually explore the International Space Station</strong> through an Oculus Rift headset with motion-tracking technology from Microsoft's second-generation Kinect.</p>
<p>It also uses a proprietary Kinect 4 Unreal plugin to combine the technologies with Unreal Engine 4. The result is a realistic experience of what it would be like to actually visit the ISS, but without the fear of floating helplessly into space or having to go through all the training that real astronauts have to.</p>
<p>Where the Kinect comes into play is to go beyond the capabilties of the Oculus Rift. The Kinect allows users to see their limbs and combine it with the Oculus, and the way you move around Earthlight is by using your hands.</p>
<p>We sat down with Opaque for an in-depth discussion on the topic and the technological challenges they faced in the gaming space. Check it out:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BQXcVjwyU1k" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>And if you haven't seen the Earthlight demo, here's a look at that:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bWz8fbkZXI" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/gdc_2015_day_0_opaque_details_kinect-enabled_iss_virtual_reality_demo_video#commentsEarthlightgamesGDC 2015kinectue4unreal engine 4virtual realityvrNewsWed, 04 Mar 2015 06:18:08 +0000Jimmy Thang and Paul Lilly29536 at http://www.maximumpc.comNew Acer V 17 Nitro Gaming Laptops Include RealSense 3D Camerahttp://www.maximumpc.com/new_acer_v_17_nitro_gaming_laptops_include_realsense_3d_camera180
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u69/acer_v_nitro_black_open.jpg" alt="Acer V 17 Nitro Gaming Laptop" title="Acer V 17 Nitro Gaming Laptop" width="228" height="157" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>RealSense is an Intel technology</h3>
<p>Acer is <strong>bringing Intel’s Kinect-esque RealSense 3D camera to its Aspire V Nitro series of gaming laptops</strong>, the company announced in a press release Saturday. Available in North America since October 2014, the <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/acer_expands_v_nitro_black_edition_laptop_series_include_4k_model_2014" target="_blank">Aspire V Nitro family</a> currently contains as many as a dozen <a href="http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/models/laptops/aspirevnitro" target="_blank">models</a>, all of which either have a 17.3-inch or 15.6-inch display. The new RealSense-toting models will all be of the V 17 Nitro variety, meaning they will rock 17.3-inch displays.</p>
<p>“The Intel RealSense 3D camera includes a conventional camera, an infrared camera and an infrared laser projector. Together, they infer depth by detecting infrared light that has bounced back from objects in front of it. This visual data, taken in combination with Intel RealSense motion-tracking software, creates a touch-free interface that responds to hand and head motions as well as facial expressions,” the press release reads.</p>
<p>Priced between $1,200 and $1,800, all existing V Nitro series laptops come with a quad-core Intel Core i7-4710HQ processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX860M graphics card with up to 4GB DDR5 VRAM, up to; 16GB of RAM,&nbsp; 128GB or 256GB solid-state storage, up to 1TB HDD and 802.11ac wireless connectivity, and either a Blu-ray Disc drive or an 8X DVD burner.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/laptops/1402338/acer-aspire-v17-nitro-review-hands-on-with-realsense-camera-tech" target="_blank">new V17 models with Intel’s RealSense 3D technology</a> will be available later this month, the company said, adding that “specs, prices and availability will vary by region.”</p>
<p><em>Follow Pulkit on <a href="https://plus.google.com/107395408525066230351?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/new_acer_v_17_nitro_gaming_laptops_include_realsense_3d_camera180#comments3d cameraAceracer aspire v nitroces 2015Gaminggaming laptopintelkinectnotebookrealsensev 17 nitroNewsMon, 05 Jan 2015 05:45:33 +0000Pulkit Chandna29182 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft to Discontinue Original Kinect for Windows Sensor in 2015http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_discontinue_original_kinect_windows_sensor_2015_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u166440/kinect_for_windows.jpg" alt="Kinect v1" title="Kinect v1" width="200" height="152" style="float: right;" />Out with the old, in with the new</h3>
<p>It was only a matter of time before the original Kinect for Windows sensor would be set aside once Microsoft had released the Kinect for Windows v2. The new device was released in October and now&nbsp;<strong>Microsoft has announced that it is discontinuing the original Kinect for Windows in 2015</strong>.</p>
<p>“The move to v2 marks the next stage in our journey toward more natural human computing,” said Microsoft in a <a title="Microsoft blog" href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2014/12/30/original-kinect-for-windows-sensor-sales-to-end-in-2015.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">statement</span></a>. “The new sensor provides a host of new and improved features, including enhanced body tracking, greater depth fidelity, full 1080p high-definition video, new active infrared capabilities, and an expanded field of view. Likewise, SDK 2.0 offers scores of updates and enhancements, not the least of which is the ability to create and publish Kinect-enabled apps in the Windows Store.”</p>
<p>Microsoft plans to phase out the original Kinect in 2015 but says it will do its best to meet the orders from business customers that still require large numbers of the v1 hardware. However, once the current stock is depleted, there will be no more v1 units for sale.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The release of the original Kinect sparked interest from the PC community, which resulted in the device being <a title="MPC How to Hack Your Kinect" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/how-tos/how_hack_your_kinect" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">hacked</span></a> early in its lifecycle and then repurposed for other tasks. From being used as a <span style="color: #ff0000;"><a title="Kinect 3D radar" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/kinect_hacked_3d_radar" target="_blank">3D radar</a><span style="color: #000000;">,</span>&nbsp;</span>to pairing the device with a Roomba for <a title="Kinect plus Roomba" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/kinect_hack_roomba_gesture_controlled_cleaning" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">gesture-controlled cleaning</span></a>, there have been some interesting innovations that came about once the Kinect was made available.</p>
<p>What were some of your favorite Kinect-related innovations or hacks revolving around the v1 sensor? Sound off in the comments below!</p>
<p><em>Follow Sean on&nbsp;<a title="SeanDKnight Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/+SeanKnightD?rel=author" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Google+</span></a>, <a title="SeanDKnight's Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/SeanDKnight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Twitter</span></a>, and <a title="SeanDKnight Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/seandknight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Facebook</span></a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_discontinue_original_kinect_windows_sensor_2015_2014#commentskinectkinect for windowsKinect v2microsoftGamingNewsWed, 31 Dec 2014 20:01:10 +0000Sean D Knight29174 at http://www.maximumpc.comReport: Microsoft Smartwatch Announcement Imminent http://www.maximumpc.com/report_microsoft_smartwatch_announcement_imminent354
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u46168/microsoft-wearable-watch.jpg" alt="Microsoft Readying Smartwatch" title="Microsoft Smartwatch" width="228" height="152" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>Only a matter of weeks now</h3>
<p>Microsoft, which first flirted with smartwatches through its Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT) initiative all the way back in 2004, is rumored to be on the verge of re-entering the smartwatch market. A new report suggests that the <strong>company could launch a wearable device within the next few weeks. </strong></p>
<p>This report comes to us from <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2014/10/19/microsoft-wearable-smartwatch/" target="_blank">Forbes</a>, which was also the first to report back in May that a “sensor-rich smartwatch” capable of syncing with iPhones, Android phones and Windows Phones was in the works at Microsoft. According to the latest report, Microsoft is getting ready to unveil the device in the next few weeks. Forbes has further learned from sources close to the development effort that the plan is to make the device available soon after the launch so as to make the most of the coming holiday season.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Other than cross-platform compatibility, the device is said to be capable of lasting two days on a single charge despite constantly tracking the wearer’s heart rate — this monitoring functionality reportedly relies on company’s extensive optical engineering know-how.</p>
<p><em>Image Credit: BizJournals</em></p>
<p>Follow Pulkit on <a href="https://plus.google.com/107395408525066230351?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/report_microsoft_smartwatch_announcement_imminent354#commentsandroidheart rate monitorioskinectmicrosoftsmartwatchspotWearablewindows phoneNewsMon, 20 Oct 2014 07:14:36 +0000Pulkit Chandna28747 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft's RoomAlive Technology Turns Rooms into Game Levelshttp://www.maximumpc.com/microsofts_roomalive_technology_turns_rooms_game_levels_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/roomalive.jpg" alt="RoomAlive" title="RoomAlive" width="228" height="128" style="float: right;" />Augmented reality is the key to (literally) getting in the game</h3>
<p>Journalists are going bonkers over the idea that we're closer than ever to having our own in-home holodecks courtesy of Microsoft's RoomAlive technology, and we admit, we're excited about it too. Using augmented reality, <strong>RoomAlive has the ability to transform your living room into a video game level</strong>, which opens the door to all new kinds of game play and use case scenarios.</p>
<p>At present, <a href="http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/roomalive/" target="_blank">RoomAlive</a> is a proof-of-concept prototype designed to turn rooms into immersive entertainment spaces. It uses a unified, scalable approach for interactive projection mapping and dynamically adapts content to any room. Users can touch, shoot, stomp, dodge, and steer this projected content just like a traditional video game, but without a controller.</p>
<p>"Our system enables new interactive projection mapping experiences that dynamically adapts content to any room. Users can touch, shoot, stomp, dodge, and steer projected content that seamlessly coexists with their existing physical environment," Microsoft researcher Hrvoje Benko explains in a <a href="http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/uist2014-100514.aspx" target="_blank">blog post</a>.</p>
<p>RoomAlive uses Microsoft's Kinect motion controller and projectors to create virtual landscapes out of your real-world environment. At the moment, the combination is too big and costly to be feasible, but in time that will change. Until then, check out the demo below:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ILb5ExBzHqw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+PaulLilly?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/microsofts_roomalive_technology_turns_rooms_game_levels_2014#commentsaugmented realitykinectmicrosoftroomalivexboxNewsMon, 06 Oct 2014 15:20:52 +0000Paul Lilly28665 at http://www.maximumpc.comKinect Far From Dead, Insists Xbox Marketing Honchohttp://www.maximumpc.com/kinect_far_dead_insists_xbox_marketing_honcho
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u160391/xboxone.png" alt="Xbox One" title="Xbox One" width="228" height="157" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>Says Kinect will remain a key part of the Xbox One experience</h3>
<p>The original Kinect, despite its commercial success and popularity among hackers and enthusiasts, was mostly a disappointment from a purely gaming standpoint. To make matters worse, Microsoft decided to foist the Kinect 2.0 on gamers by bundling it with the Xbox One — even if it meant giving rival Playstation 4 a substantial price advantage right at the outset. But with the move beginning to threaten Xbox One’s prospects, the Redmond-based company finally relented and <strong>began offering a $400 Kinect-less SKU a few days back</strong>. As a result, a big question mark now hangs over the Kinect’s future.</p>
<p>Our sister publication <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/microsoft-s-yusuf-mehdi-says-kinect-will-always-be-integral-to-xbox-one-1253190?src=rss&amp;attr=all" target="_blank">TechRadar recently caught up with Yusuf Mehdi</a>, chief marketing&nbsp; and strategy office at the company’s Xbox division, and asked him about the future of the motion-sensing peripheral.</p>
<p>Here’s what he had to say when asked if Kinect was going to remain a key part of the whole Xbox One experience: “Yeah, I think Kinect is going to continue to be integral. So it works at three levels [voice commands, dedicated games and games that benefit from certain features]. That continues, and we keep making improvements, perfections, and the progress on Kinect v2 has been pretty huge.”</p>
<p>He then proceeded to talk about why the company eventually decided to unbundle it: “The other part is the reason we un-bundled it, and it was a tough decision because we have all of our game publishers, and there was a question of, well, do you lose dev innovation because people can't rely on it being there, versus if we have a new opening price point that's $100 cheaper, can you get a lot more people to come to the Xbox One? And in the end we decided that the latter was the best thing to get, to focus on the customer and to broaden the audience for the developers.”</p>
<p>Follow Pulkit on <a href="https://plus.google.com/107395408525066230351?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/kinect_far_dead_insists_xbox_marketing_honcho#commentsconsole gamingGamingkinectxbox oneNewsMon, 16 Jun 2014 07:11:43 +0000Pulkit Chandna28009 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft's Kinect for Windows v2 Sensor Goes Up for Pre-Orderhttp://www.maximumpc.com/microsofts_kinect_windows_v2_sensor_goes_pre-order_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/kinect_for_windows_v2_0.jpg" alt="Kinect for Windows v2" title="Kinect for Windows v2" width="228" height="105" style="float: right;" />Second generation Kinect sensor is coming to Windows</h3>
<p>Microsoft announced at BUILD back in April that it would make its Kinect for Windows v2 sensor and Software Development Kit (SDK) available sometime this summer. Keeping true to its promise, <strong>developers can pre-order the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor</strong>. Those who do will be able to start building out solutions such as Windows Store apps for Kinect ahead of everyone else.</p>
<p>Sensors that are pre-ordered will ship out in July. During that time, Microsoft will also release a public beta of its SDK. This will all happen a few months ahead of when the general public will have access to the hardware and software, Microsoft says.</p>
<p>"Thousands of developers wanted to take part in our Developer Preview program but were unable to do so—in fact, we’re still receiving requests from all around the world. So for these and other developers who are eager to start using the Kinect for Windows v2, the pre-order option offers access to the new sensor ahead of general availability. Bear in mind, however, that we have limited quantities of pre-order sensors, so order while supplies last," Microsoft stated in a <a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2014/06/05/pre-order-your-kinect-for-windows-v2-sensor-starting-today.aspx" target="_blank">blog post</a>.</p>
<p>If you're interested, <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/Purchase/developer-sku.aspx" target="_blank">head here</a> for more information on pre-ordering the Kinect for Windows v2, which runs $199.</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+PaulLilly?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/microsofts_kinect_windows_v2_sensor_goes_pre-order_2014#commentsHardwarekinectmicrosoftmotion controlWindowsNewsFri, 06 Jun 2014 16:39:06 +0000Paul Lilly27959 at http://www.maximumpc.comNo BS Podcast #224: Surface Pro III, Alienware's Steam Machines, Xbox One & Kinect, FCC on ISPs, and Self Driving Carshttp://www.maximumpc.com/no_bs_podcast_224_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u154082/alienware_steam.jpg" alt="no bs podcast" title="no bs podcast" width="250" height="167" style="float: right;" />Fresh hardware, recent legislation and a signature rant&nbsp;</h3>
<p>There has been a lot happening in the world of tech this week, so we assembled in the podcast room to bring you<strong> <a href="http://dl.maximumpc.com/maxpc_224_20140521.mp3" target="_blank">episode 224 of the&nbsp;No BS Podcast</a></strong>!&nbsp;On this jam packed episode, we begin by sharing our thoughts on the&nbsp;<a title="Surface Pro III" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_equips_surface_pro_3_bigger_screen_thinner_profile_and_faster_hardware_2014" target="_blank">Surface Pro III</a>&nbsp;and argue about whether it can stand up to Ultrabooks and tablets. We then address&nbsp;<a title="Alienware Steam Machines" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/alienware_expects_steam_machine_will_be_least_profitable_system_2014" target="_blank">Alienware's prediction that its Steam Machines</a>&nbsp;will be its least profitable system yet, and speculate as to what may be Alienware's long-term strategy with Valve. Next up, Alaina gives us the scoop on Microsoft's announcement regarding the fact that the&nbsp;<a title="Xbox One will be sold without Kinect" href="http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-one-kinect-bundle/" target="_blank">Xbox One will no longer require the Kinect to function</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span> We follow that up with&nbsp;Tom's breakdown of the&nbsp;<a title="FCC Votes to Consider Paid Priority on the Internet" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/fcc_votes_consider_paid_priority_internet_2014" target="_blank">FCC's take on Net Neutrality.</a>&nbsp;Afterwards, Clark discusses autonomous vehicle legislation, including the news that the&nbsp;<a title="DMV Approves a set of rules and regulations" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/california_paves_way_testing_self_driving_cars_public_roads_september_2014" target="_blank">DMV recently approved a set of rules and regulations</a>&nbsp;governing the use of these cars. Finally, we answer your questions, give you our picks, and Gordon delivers another signature rant.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-4Rv6WZ2BAw" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5 style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 17px; vertical-align: baseline; letter-spacing: -0.05em; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; color: #990000;"><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;" title="maximum pc no bs 224" href="http://dl.maximumpc.com/maxpc_224_20140521.mp3" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/sites/future.p2technology.com/files/imce-images/rss-audiomp3.png" width="80" height="15" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;" /></a>&nbsp;<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/maximumpc/1337"><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/sites/future.p2technology.com/files/imce-images/chicklet_rss-2_0.png" alt="chicklet_rss-2.0.png" title="chicklet_rss-2.0.png" width="80" height="15" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;" /></a>&nbsp;<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;" href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=213247824"><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/sites/future.p2technology.com/files/imce-images/chicklet_itunes.gif" alt="chicklet_itunes.gif" title="chicklet_itunes.gif" width="80" height="15" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;" /></a></h5>
<h4 style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; letter-spacing: -0.05em; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; color: #990000;">Editors' Picks</h4>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">Tom McNamara: <a title="Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fox.cosmos" target="_blank">Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey</a></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jimmy Thang: <a title="How Long to Beat" href="http://www.howlongtobeat.com/" target="_blank">Howlongtobeat.com</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clark Crisp:<a title="2048 Puzzle" href="http://gabrielecirulli.github.io/2048/" target="_blank">&nbsp;2048 Puzzle</a></p>
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Alaina Yee:&nbsp;<a title="child of light" href="http://childoflight.ubi.com/col/en-US/home/index.aspx" target="_blank">Child of Light</a>, <a title="Classic Theme Restorer for Firefox" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/classicthemerestorer/" target="_blank">Classic Theme Restorer for Firefox 29</a></p>
<h4 style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; letter-spacing: -0.05em; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; color: #990000;">Stalk us on the following networks:</h4>
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http://www.maximumpc.com/no_bs_podcast_224_2014#commentsalienwareAutonomous Vehiclesdellepisode 224fcckinectmaximum pc no bd podcastmicrosoftsteam machineSurface Pro IIIxbox oneNo BS PodcastFri, 23 May 2014 22:00:17 +0000The Maximum PC Staff27862 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft Finalizes Design of Kinect for Windows Version 2 Sensorhttp://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_finalizes_design_kinect_windows_version_2_sensor_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/kinect_for_windows_v2.jpg" alt="Kinect for Windows v2" title="Kinect for Windows v2" width="228" height="128" style="float: right;" />Microsoft gives a glimpse of the Kinect for Windows v2's final hardware design</h3>
<p>Despite the occasional rumors to the contrary, Microsoft has held firm that the second generation Kinect motion control senor bundled with its Xbox One console would not work with Windows, and that a special version for Windows would eventually be released. That day still hasn't come, however <strong>Microsoft did decide to show off what the final hardware will look like for the Kinect for Windows Version 2</strong>.</p>
<p>It doesn't look any different from its console counterpart except that it says "Kinect" on the top panel, and the stylized green "x" is just a simple power indicator.</p>
<p>Outside of its appearance, Microsoft talked a little bit about the hardware, saying it needs a hub and power supply to work. The hub accepts three connections -- one for the sensor, another for USB 3.0 output, and power, which supports voltages from 100 to 240 volts.</p>
<p>"As this first look at the Kinect for Windows v2 hardware indicates, we're getting closer and closer to launch. So stay tuned for more updates on the next generation of Kinect for Windows," <a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2014/03/27/revealing-kinect-for-windows-v2-hardware.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft said</a>.</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+PaulLilly?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_finalizes_design_kinect_windows_version_2_sensor_2014#commentsHardwarekinectKinect for Windows Version 2motion sensorPeripheralsWindowsNewsFri, 28 Mar 2014 16:10:22 +0000Paul Lilly27527 at http://www.maximumpc.comApple Makes $345 Million Offer for PrimeSense, 3D Sensor Tech Firm Behind the Kinecthttp://www.maximumpc.com/apple_makes_345_million_offer_primesense_3d_sensor_tech_firm_behind_kinect
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u69/primesense_sensor.jpg" alt="PrimeSense Sensor" title="PrimeSense Sensor" width="228" height="125" style="float: right;" /></p>
<h3>Acquisition would open a world of opportunities for Apple</h3>
<p>Perhaps hinting at a future feature of its iPad, iPod touch, and iPad mini devices, it's being reported that <strong><a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/apple">Apple</a></strong> snatched up PrimeSense, a fabless semiconductor company in Israel that specializes in low-cost, high-performance 3D sensing and machine vision technologies. The start-up's technology is represented in more than 24 million devices around the world, including Microsoft's original Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 console. It can also be found in 3D scanning applications like the Asus Xtion.</p>
<p>A <em>Calcalist</em> financial newspaper report says the deal went down for $345 million, <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57612712-37/apple-reportedly-acquires-primesense-for-$345m/" target="_blank">according to <em>CNET</em></a>, though <em><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20131117/apple-aiming-at-primesense-acquisition-but-deal-is-not-yet-done/?mod=tweet" target="_blank">AllThingsD</a></em> says the acquisition has yet to be finalized as the two sides try to negotiate "end-game" issues like liquidity preferences (who gets paid first).</p>
<p>In any event, Apple is clearly interested in 3D sensing technology, though it's not clear what the Cupertino company would use it for. There are a number of possible applications, from controlling on-screen AppleTV content through motion controls, to countering Samsung's hands-free swiping capabilities in smartphones.</p>
<p>"We are focused on building a prosperous company while bringing 3D sensing and natural interaction to the mass market in a variety of markets such as interactive living room and mobile devices," a spokeswoman for PrimeSense <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/17/us-primesense-apple-idUSBRE9AG03G20131117" target="_blank">told <em>Reuters</em></a>. "We do not comment on what any of our partners, customers or potential customers are doing and we do not relate to rumors or recycled rumors."</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zXKqIr4cjyo" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>This isn't the first time these two companies have been linked in acquisition reports. It was reported back in July that Apple was trying to buy PrimeSense for around $280 million.</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+PaulLilly?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/apple_makes_345_million_offer_primesense_3d_sensor_tech_firm_behind_kinect#comments3d sensoracquisitionappleHardwarekinectmotion controlprimesenseNewsMon, 18 Nov 2013 15:04:34 +0000Paul Lilly26712 at http://www.maximumpc.comUpdated Microsoft Privacy Policy Details What Xbox One Is Recordinghttp://www.maximumpc.com/updated_microsoft_privacy_policy_details_what_xbox_one_recording_2013
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u160391/xboxone.png" width="250" height="173" style="float: right;" />New privacy policy details outlined&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>Microsoft </strong>brought privacy concerns to the forefront of gaming with the introduction of the Kinect peripheral, and with the advent of the Xbox One, which uses the same technology, users are concerned as to what exactly the console will collect as far as personal information goes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This must be a bugbear for Microsoft as well, as a brand new privacy policy was rolled out on Thursday night that attempts to clarify what, exactly, will be collected and reported back to the source.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2060363/what-data-does-microsofts-xbox-services-collect-we-break-it-down.html" target="_blank">PC World</a> has compiled a primer on what you can expect your Xbox One to be collecting about you during play sessions, though it doesn't seem to be that much of a leap. There's a dedicated way to turn off the Kinect's recording feature, it's obvious your conversations via multiplayer won't always be private, and you probably won't want to sit around in the nude while playing. But that's all pretty basic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's not long now until the Xbox One is released. How will you be spending your launch day with it?</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/updated_microsoft_privacy_policy_details_what_xbox_one_recording_2013#commentskinectmicrosoft consolenewsPrivacyxbox oneNewsSat, 02 Nov 2013 18:32:26 +0000Brittany Vincent26620 at http://www.maximumpc.comLeaked Xbox One Manual Details Kinect Positioninghttp://www.maximumpc.com/leaked_xbox_one_manual_details_kinect_positioning_2013
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u160391/xbox-640x353.png" alt="Kinect" title="Kinect" width="250" height="138" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>Smaller living spaces may now function well with Kinect</h3>
<p>Back in August we reported that Microsoft had done an early <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_unboxes_xbox_one_game_console2013" target="_blank">unboxing video</a> to showcase its latest Xbox One console. Now that we're less than a month away from getting our hands on the piece of new tech, new details are surfacing left and right, like manual leaks (via <a href="http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/169522-xbox-one-manual-leaks-reveals-vital-kinect-details-console-and-gamepad-setup" target="_blank">ExtremeTech</a>) that offer insight into how the console and the Kinect peripheral must be set up.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The scans floating around are written in Portuguese and is a PDF detailing where and how the Kinect must be placed upon setup, an important piece of information when you consider one of the reasons the Kinect barely functioned the way it should, this is big news: it can be mounted anywhere from two feet to six feet from the ground. Players must stand at least 1.4 meters away, a significant improvement for those of us who haven't the luxury of huge living spaces. The quality of the Kinect library probably won't change, but hopefully the functionality will, so this manual is certainly promising in that regard.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Are you purchasing an Xbox One?</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/leaked_xbox_one_manual_details_kinect_positioning_2013#commentsconsole gamingkinectleaknewsxbox oneNewsSat, 26 Oct 2013 20:02:18 +0000Brittany Vincent 26579 at http://www.maximumpc.com16 Movies That Predicted Technology Righthttp://www.maximumpc.com/movies_predicted_technology_right_2013
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/back_to_future_glasses.jpg" alt="Back to the Future Glasses" title="Back to the Future Glasses" width="228" height="132" style="float: right;" />Flicks with a pulse on where technology was headed</h3>
<p>You can yell, "Beam me up, Scotty!" all you want, the only thing that will happen is you'll elicit a bunch of bemused stares from passersby wondering if you've bonked your head recently. The sad fact is human teleportation devices don't yet exist in 2013, and even if they did, the <a href="http://news.discovery.com/space/beam-me-up-scotty-that-might-take-a-while-130731.htm" target="_blank">tremendous lag</a> would make it extraordinarily impractical. Such is the reality of science that it doesn't always mesh with our fantastic visions of fictional futures filled with flying cars and other implausible technologies. In other words, reality sucks compared to what we've grown up watching on television.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean Hollywood got it all wrong, however. Take a look around you and you'll notice quite a few inventions that not only don't suck, but some of which were predicted by movie makers decades ago. You can draw a parallel, for example, between swiping and gestures in <em>Minority Report</em> versus today's touchscreen computing and motion-controlled sensors like the Kinect. The further back you go in the movie archives, the more interesting these parallels become.</p>
<p>Join us as we look back at 16 films that, for the most part, correctly predicted future technologies in use today. What was your favorite science fiction movie? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/movies_predicted_technology_right_2013#comments2001back to the futuregallerykinectMinority ReportmoviespicturestechnologyFeaturesMon, 19 Aug 2013 18:59:47 +0000Paul Lilly26114 at http://www.maximumpc.comSorry Windows Modders, Xbox One's Kinect Sensor Won't Plug Into PCshttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/sorry_windows_modders_xbox_ones_kinect_sensor_wont_plug_pcs2013
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/kinect_2.jpg" alt="Kinect" title="Kinect" width="228" height="114" style="float: right;" />Microsoft confirms the bad news</h3>
<p>It's tough to understand what Microsoft is thinking sometimes, isn't it? Take for example the decision to bring back the Start button in Windows 8.1, but not the Start menu. Decisions like that border on being belligerent, and now we've learned that you won't be able to plug the second generation Kinect sensor that ships with the <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/xbox_one_announced_2013"><strong>Xbox One</strong></a> into your PC because it's packing a proprietary connector.</p>
<p>No big deal, because like Apple, Microsoft has plans to cash in on adapters, right? Wrong.</p>
<p>"The Kinect for Xbox One sensor will not have an adapter that allows it to plug into a computer," a Microsoft spokesperson <a href="http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/microsoft-kinect-for-xbox-one-will-not-work-on-pcs/" target="_blank">told <em>ArsTechnica</em></a> in an email. "The new generation Kinect for Windows sensor will connect to computers using a standard USB 3 port."</p>
<p>So, if you're totally geeked about getting your hands on a next generation Kinect sensor and seeing what you can do with it in Windows, you'll have to wait until Microsoft launches a Windows-specific model with the appropriate connector (USB 3.0). That's too bad because the original Kinect for Xbox 360 could be plugged into a PC via an included adapter and modded to work in Windows, and even though Microsoft is essentially forcing the purchase of a Kinect with every Xbox One (it comes standard with the $499 console), there will be no adapter this time around. And if you planned to both purchase an Xbox One and tinker in Windows with Kinect, without an adapter, you'll end up purchasing two Kinect sensors (the one that's bundled with the Xbox One and a separate one designed specifically for Windows -- boo!).</p>
<p>Unofficially, don't be surprised if modders concoct their own home brewed adapter once the system ships later this year.</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/113266473617484509826?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/sorry_windows_modders_xbox_ones_kinect_sensor_wont_plug_pcs2013#commentsconsoleGamingHardwarekinectmicrosoftWindowsxbox oneNewsFri, 28 Jun 2013 14:33:49 +0000Paul Lilly25822 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft Announces Xbox One Consolehttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/xbox_one_announced_2013
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/xbox_one_reveal.jpg" alt="Xbox One Reveal" title="Xbox One Reveal" width="228" height="158" style="float: right;" />An all-in-one home entertainment device.</h3>
<p>Gamers have been eagerly anticipating the launch of <a title="Microsoft" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/Microsoft" target="_blank">Microsoft</a>'s next generation Xbox console, and today they finally got what they've been waiting for. Microsoft's next console, previously referred to as Durango and Xbox 720, was introduced to the world as <strong>Xbox One</strong>, a name that underscores Microsoft's intent to rule the living room with an all-in-one entertainment system that's equally adept at playing games as it is for watching live TV, chatting on Skype, browsing photos and videos, and more. The device itself looks rather large and almost VCR-like.</p>
<p>Microsoft's Don Mattrick took to the stage and talked about how the living room has become "too complex, too fragmented, and too slow." The Xbox One is Microsoft's answer to these problems, and much of the magic of the new console has to do with intelligent voice recognition and gesture control.</p>
<h3>Navigation</h3>
<h3><img src="/files/u69/xbox_one_slide.jpg" alt="Xbox One Slide" title="Xbox One Slide" width="620" height="335" /></h3>
<p>Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, demoed several of Xbox One's navigation features. One of big differences between the Xbox One and 360 is that the console recognizes who you are right off the bat. Say "Xbox On" and it will turn on your device and launch straight into your custom profile with your personalized home screen. It will also remember what you were last doing, in case you wanted to jump back into a game or movie that you had to duck out of prematurely.</p>
<p>One of the most impressive demos was Mehdi showing how quickly and smoothly the Xbox One can switch between tasks, going from Internet Explorer ("Xbox Internet Explorer!") to watching movies ("Xbox movie!") and live TV. It will be interesting to see what kind of relationship Microsoft and the Xbox One has with cable providers. It can also, of course, play games. The Xbox One recognizes gestures, too. Reach out your arms, grab, and close to bring up the Home screen, or expand to go back to where you just came from.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A new Snap Mode allows you to multi-task, to an extent. While you're watching a movie, for example, you can have <a title="Skype" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/Skype" target="_blank">Skype</a> running in a sidebar on the right or look up content on the web via IE.</p>
<p><img src="/files/u69/xbox_one_slide2.jpg" alt="Xbox One Live TV" title="Xbox One Live TV" width="620" height="335" /></p>
<p>Live TV figures to be a prominent feature of the Xbox One. Say "Show the guide" to bring up a listing of TV shows and then navigate through voice control, by browsing favorites, or by seeing what's "Trending," which is a new tab added to the Dashboard. If you're bored with your program, you can say "What's on HBO?" and Xbox One will respond with a listing of shows and movies on HBO.</p>
<h3>What About the Hardware?</h3>
<p>As for the hardware, well, the Xbox One will rock an 8-core CPU with 5 billion transistors, 8GB of system memory, 500GB hard drive, Blu-ray drive (yes, the Xbox is finally getting Blu-ray!), 802.11n Wi-Fi, HDMI in/output, and USB 3.0 support. Beyond that, it's not clear if that RAM will be unified like it is on the <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/playstation_4_announced_packs_8-core_amd_jaguar_cpu897">PlayStation 4</a> or which exact processor and GPU Microsoft is tapping into, or whether it will be x86 based like Sony's console. We suspect those details will come to light in the coming months, and potentially at E3, where Microsoft will make several Xbox 360 announcements.</p>
<p>On the platform side, Microsoft described a three-in-one OS architecture:</p>
<ol>
<li>Xbox software that gives developers deep access to the sysem and hardware</li>
<li>A Windows kernel</li>
<li>Special software to connect the two above OSes</li>
</ol>
<p>Following the press conference, Nvidia revealed to us that the company will offer the console PhysX support. Whether that is on the GPU side or CPU side is still up in the air. Maximum PC has tried reaching out to Nvidia for more clarification on the matter to only recieve a "no comment" reply. Regardless, with PhysX support coming to the Xbox One, this will be especially interesting as earlier rumors pegged the Xbox One as using AMD components for both the CPU and GPU. This could theoretically mean the green and red team may be collaborating on the console in some capacity.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>UPDATE:</strong> AMD has confirmed it is indeed designing an APU for the Xbox One. “AMD is very excited to be working with Microsoft on their next-generation Xbox One. The Microsoft Xbox One leverages a single-chip, semi-custom AMD APU, with custom components co-developed with Microsoft designed to enable unique attributes of the system Microsoft is bringing to market,” said Saeid Moshkelani, corporate vice president and general manager of AMD's Semi-Custom Business Unit.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><em><strong>UPDATE #2:</strong> A Microsoft representative confirmed to us that AMD would be the Xbox One's primary parts maker, stating, "AMD is our primary partner for the custom silicon that makes up our GPU/CPU SOC that is the heart of Xbox One. We don’t have any further details about Nvidia PhysX at this time, but do stay tuned."</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Updated Kinect Sensor and Controller</h3>
<h3><img src="/files/u69/xbox_one_slide5.jpg" alt="Xbox One Kinect" title="Xbox One Kinect" width="620" height="335" /></h3>
<p>A new Kinect sensor will be paired with every Xbox One console. It expands to 1080p, can read more joints than before, understands subtle movements like a flick of the wrist, and can even detect your heartbeat when exercising. Microsoft also updated the familiar controller so that it's more ergonomic, though retains the same semi-butterfly shape as previous versions.</p>
<h3>Xbox Live</h3>
<p>Sorry folks, Microsoft isn't giving up its subscription-based Xbox Live service in favor of free online play for everyone. The same memberships as today will exist, though the backend infrastructure is significantly overhauled. While today's Xbox Live service taps into 15,000 servers, there will be 300,000 servers powering Xbox One's Live service.</p>
<p>Microsoft will put that horsepower to use in part for better matchmaking. It will search for opponents in one game while you're playing another, and overall, Microsoft envisions a deeper, richer Live experience.</p>
<h3>Call of Duty: Ghosts</h3>
<p><img src="/files/u69/cod_ghosts.jpg" alt="Call of Duty: Ghosts" title="Call of Duty: Ghosts" width="620" height="335" /></p>
<p>Finally, Call of Duty: Ghosts made an appearance towards the end of the event. Microsoft announced that will continue its exclusive downloadable content (DLC) deal with Activision, ensuring Xbox One gamers get DLC before gamers on other devices.</p>
<p>There's a new game engine being introduced in Ghosts. It will run at a steady 60 frames per second while you control new characters in a new game world. The script is being hammered out by Stephen Gaghan, writer of Traffic and Syriana.</p>
<p>Dogs will be part of your squad and are able protect your team and sniff for explosives. Other animals, like fish, will move out of your way as you get close, which is part of a new artificial intelligence (A.I.) system. There will be dynamic events like earthquakes, and player-driven events too. You'll be able to customize your characters in multiplayer, choosing heads, bodies, helmets, and other gear.</p>
<p>"It will be the best Call of Duty game we've ever ever made," Activision's Erik Hirschberg declared.</p>
<p>That wraps up the highlights. Microsoft didn't announce a price or release date, instead confirming what we already know, which is that Xbox One will be available "later this year."</p>
<p>What did you think of the announcement? Are you as bummed as we are that more hardware details weren't revealed? Let us know in the comments!</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/113266473617484509826?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/xbox_one_announced_2013#commentsconsolegamesHardwarekinectmicrosoftvideo gamesWindowsxbox 720xbox livexbox oneNewsTue, 21 May 2013 18:26:44 +0000Paul Lilly25582 at http://www.maximumpc.com